Scout Notes

Ronaldo’s goals, Chelsea’s wing-backs, wasteful Havertz: FPL notes

We round up the key Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points from Manchester United v Chelsea in our Scout Notes summary.

The graphics below are taken from LiveFPL, Ragabolly’s excellent and ever-improving website (which now has a new look!), and our own Premium Members Area.

RONALDO’S HOME COMFORTS

Cristiano Ronaldo’s (£12.2m) goal cancelled out Marcos Alonso’s (£5.6m) opener in the final match of Double Gameweek 34.

The Portuguese had scored two hat-tricks in his past two appearances at Old Trafford, doing so in 3-2 victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City, and continued that rich vein of form with an emphatic second-half strike.

Ronaldo has now remarkably scored eight of United’s last nine Premier League goals, including each of the last five.

He is also the leading Premier League home goalscorer, with his tally of 13 at least two more than any other player:

“Not only the goal Cristiano (Ronaldo) scored but his whole performance, his attitude at age of 37, this is not normal to do that. If he plays like he did today he can still be a big help to this team. It is Erik’s (ten Hag) and Cristiano’s decision for what he can do next but today his performance was really great.” – Ralf Rangnick on Cristiano Ronaldo

“We showed a good reaction in the second half, and it was a great finish from Cristiano Ronaldo. In the first half we had our problems and we needed a few great saves from David de Gea. Second half we did better and we got more control. You could see they are a top team, it’s no coincidence they won the Champions League and we don’t have much confidence and had eight players missing. Although it was still a lucky draw, we earned it. At times we saw the gap, but they played with their best XI and we had players missing. We have problems with defending, not compact enough and not physical enough.” – Ralf Rangnick

CHELSEA’S WING-BACKS

Marcos Alonso scored his second goal in four matches for Chelsea on Thursday, a lovely angled volley that flew past David de Gea (£5.1m).

As a result, the Spaniard ends Double Gameweek 34 as the Blues’ highest-scoring player, with an impressive 19 points across his two outings.

However, Reece James (£6.4m) – who recovered from injury and was back on the right-flank – was incredibly unfortunate not to return, too.

The England international added another dimension to Chelsea’s attacking play, hitting the outside of the post from a Mason Mount (£7.7m) pass and producing a David Beckham-esque cross that Kai Havertz (£7.9m) really should have done better with.

JAMES V MAN UTD
MetricTotalMatch rank
Shots42nd=
Shots in the box32nd
Chances created33rd=
Crosses101st
Penalty box touches101st
Final-third touches571st

“Reece James played a very good match and Mason Mount unlucky with his decisions.” – Thomas Tuchel

WASTEFUL HAVERTZ

Chelsea carved open United’s defence a number of times, particularly in the first-half, and they will kick themselves that they didn’t take maximum points from Old Trafford.

That it was goalless at half-time was largely due to Kai Havertz, who missed three major openings for the Blues in the opening 45 minutes.

In fact, the German racked up 0.96 expected goals (xG) against United from five shots, more than any other player on the pitch.

However, he did at least provide an assist for his owners, with his flick-on finding Alonso at the far post.

“He needs to fight back into his shape. The guys are still young upfront and we will not start pointing fingers. At Southampton and at the Bernabeu, we took our chances. So, when we look at the data, there is a huge amount of intensity from Kai (Havertz) and Timo (Werner), so they don’t arrive fully fresh in these moments.” – Thomas Tuchel on Kai Havertz

Chelsea’s remaining games after this are as follows, with the second part of their Gameweek 36 double-header against Leeds United looking particularly troublesome for rotation, given that it arrives just three days before the FA Cup final.

  • Sunday 1 May: Gameweek 35 – Everton (a)
  • Saturday 7 May: Gameweek 36 – Wolverhampton Wanderers (h)
  • Wednesday 11 May: Gameweek 36 – Leeds United (a)
  • Saturday 14 May: FA Cup final – Liverpool (n)
  • Thursday 19 May: Gameweek 37 – Leicester City (h)
  • Sunday 22 May: Gameweek 38 – Watford (h)

Manchester United XI: de Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Varane, Telles, McTominay, Matic (Jones 79), Elanga (Garnacho 90+1), Fernandes, Rashford (Mata 79), Ronaldo

Chelsea XI: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kante (Loftus-Cheek 82), Alonso, Mount, Werner (Pulisic 71), Havertz (Lukaku 70)

343 Comments Post a Comment
  1. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    only 10pts ahead of my ML rival, who has Kane for 35.. i've only got kulu as spurs player...What should I do?

    1FT 1.4 ITB, BB36 + FH37..

    Schemeicel Foster
    TAA cancelo laporte alonso schar
    salah kdb havertz kulu kdbh
    dennis pukki nketiah

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      KDB>Son hokey cokey? Bring KDB back next week?

      1. tibollom
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        yea you think it's worth it?

  2. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    My team also has saka

  3. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Son (c) or KDB (c)?

    Also, next week my plan was to bring in Salah for the 36 - is Mane worth a punt with just 3 weeks remaining or is that trying to be too clever?

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      So sure kdb gonna start?

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Not 100% confident, but think Pep knows he needs to continue putting strong teams out with the race so close.

        Think he starts, comes off early if things are comfortable.

        1. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 11 months ago

          I went for sterling for this week though. Risky but hope he starts

    2. dshv
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I will go Son but don’t have Kevin the magician

    3. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Mané has been brilliant through the middle lately, looks in much better nick than Salah & I'm looking to get him in for 36-8 too

  4. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Sorry bottomed from previous

    How's these moves?

    A. James > Cancelo
    B. Schar > Alonso
    C. Schar > Cash

    Also thinking of Pukki > Nketiah

    Thanks

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      c

  5. dshv
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Play Cash over Havertz and be with 5 at the back??

    1. Letsgo!
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Yes i will

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      yes

  6. as33
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Best replacement for Werner? 9.1itb

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Shotkins

      1. as33
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Richarlison?

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Kaku! (smile)

  7. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Best option for GW35:

    Doherty >>

    1. Laporte (-4) [currently have no Man City]
    2. Matip
    3. Save FT [play Schar]

    Thanks!

  8. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Havertz Schar -> Coutinho Laporte -4

    Yay or nay?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      yep

  9. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Thinking of bringing in one of the below to replace Mount

    A. Zaha
    B. Coutinho
    C. Don't

    Thanks

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      C

    2. pricycle
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Tempting isn't it. I think I'll wait a week

  10. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Can't help but feel like I'm going to have an enormous rank drop this week. I can foresee any or all of James, Martinelli and KDB being benched and still have to rely on one of Broja or Bruno G as well.

  11. Fernandito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Raphinha & Doherty to…

    A Zaha & Fofana
    B Coutinho & 4.2 max def
    C Ramsey & Laporte
    D Ramsey & Alonso

  12. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Morning.....any views on what move to make here please? 0 cash. Will free hit in 37

    A....rudiger to laporte (bench ramsey)

    B...havertz to foden

    C....save Ft

    Sa (dubravska)
    Taa vvd cancelo (rudiger schar)
    Salah saka kulu havertz ramsey
    Kane pukki (broja)

    Thanks

    1. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      I take it in FH37 you will bring in Villa players and not before?

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Yes, that's the plan

    2. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      C

  13. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Best move this gw?

    a. havertz > coutinho
    b. werner > watkins
    c. tark > cash
    d. save ft

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      My post below. Does if make sense to get Villa now? Wouldn't Richarlison do much better than Watkins in 37?

    2. KunDogan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      D

    3. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      D

  14. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Doss it make sense to get any Villa or Palace players if not using FH in 37? They have no motivation. Better to get Everton instead who have two games at home and a lot at stake.

  15. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Who to captain if chasing?

    A) Coutinho vs NOR
    B) Trent/Robbo vs new

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

    2. Rassi
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

    3. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      A

  16. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    1FT 0.5ITB.

    Wood -> Dennis and GTG?

    Ramsdale
    Cancelo VVD TAA Alonso
    Salah Son Mount Saka Ramsey
    Wood

    Sanchez Broja Schar Maupay

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Yes

  17. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Play Dennis or Weghorst?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Both?

  18. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Sterling + Werner > Watkins + Son(C) -4??? Pretty set on getting KDB next week just feel Son is the best C this week

  19. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    With this team would you FH in 36 or 37? Severe lack of city my biggest concern

    Ramsdale Dubravka

    Trent James rudiger killman amartey

    Salah saka Kulu Mount Gordon

    Kane Toney Weghurst

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      36

      1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Thanks man, thinking the same

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      You could squeeze in Foden or Cancelo in 2 moves, but I would probably be inclined to FH & get KDB

      1. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Yeah KDB is the one I want, both mini league rivals don’t have him so feel he would be a big differential

  20. Cojones of Destiny
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Appreciate help
    Play:
    a. Sanchez (wol)
    b. Rams (whu)

    do:
    1. Schar to Royal
    2. Havertz to Coutinho

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Royal could be dropped

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      b2

  21. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Countiho or Madison?

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Cout

  22. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Any updates on Saka's fitness?

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      been pictured training

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Cheers

  23. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    FH 36 or 37 with this team?

    schmeichel
    robertson cancelo tark
    kdb mane havertz saka kulu
    werner weghorst

    dubravka white schar wood

    1. Cojones of Destiny
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      37

    2. The Mentaculus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      37. KDB & Mané going to rip it up for us in 36 🙂

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Cheers

      2. SpaceCadet
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 11 months ago

        Who’s your cap this gw?

  24. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Any Wildcard improvements?? FH and BB left…

    Schmeical Foster
    Alonso Cancelo TAA Roberts Soyuncu
    Salah KDB Saka Gordon Havertz
    Richarlison Nketiah Dennis

  25. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Ah, I should have done Doherty to Alonso instead of Raph to Mount!!!! Oh well.

    GTG for this week?
    Sanchez
    TAA Robbo Cancelo James
    Salah(c) Mount Saka Ramsey
    Kane Mateta
    (Foster Martinelli Broja Doherty)

    Planning BB36, FH37 so thinking I'll save FT and sort my bench next week.

    1. jackruet
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 11 months ago

      Mateta isnt nailed

  26. evilfish
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 11 months ago

    Hi all. In preperation for a BB 36 I find myself with a benching headache. Please start 2 and bench 2 out of:

    a) Saka (Wham A)
    b) Nketiah (Wham A)
    c) Pukki (Villa A)
    d) Ramsey (Norw H)